By the way, I would like to say happy Father's day to all wonderful fathers. Also a big thank to my host dad. In Norway we celebrate dads in November 9. However, pappa, if you are reading this, know that you are loved and appreciated.
I have had a great weekend with my friends. We've been working out, playing pool, eating out, been to the movies (22 Jump Street) and watched FIFA (What we usually do in Yarmouth). Today I realized that I have a long list of tasks that I've been postponing too many times. My Sunday has therefore involved all the "less fun" such as cleaning my room, doing laundry, finishing exam reviews, buying a suitcase and pens for people to sign my flag, and other departure preparations.
By the way, I would like to say happy Father's day to all wonderful fathers. Also a big thank to my host dad. In Norway we celebrate dads in November 9. However, pappa, if you are reading this, know that you are loved and appreciated.
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I am enjoying every single minute of my last two weeks in Yarmouth, Canada. A brief summary of the last couple of days: Camp Peniel (reuinion with the exchange students in the TCRSB), summer, restaurants, gym, pool, mall, movie theatre (A million ways to die in the West), all-star game against Nova Scotia's provincial team (girls under 18, lost second game with only one try), rugby season is officially over, picnic, finished coop (work placement), got an award for participating in rugby on the Night of praise (you know you live in a small town when you get invited to an award show), 1 week left of school (reviewing for exams).
As time is slipping through my fingers, I find myself looking back at my year in Canada. Counting all the wonderful experiences, knowledge I have gained and people I have met makes me feel like one of the luckiest girls in the world. Before I left Norway I would agree to the statement that "Exchange is not a year in a life. It is a life in a year". After living in Yarmouth for nearly 10 months, I can finally say I fully understand it. You actually do build a second life in your host country, and it's challenging to balance the two different lives at the same time. In fact, that is the main reason why I have not been in touch with my Norwegian family and friends as often as normal. I'm currenty caught up in a blend of happiness and sadness. It's impossible to choose side. It's funny, you go abroad hoping that you will learn more about the big world, but go home and realize that what you learned the most about, is you. Not only you, but also your own culture and home country. Being on my own and away has made me discover what I value, my boundaries, who appreciates me, who I care about, what I dislike, what I love, what I cannot live without and last but not least, how much is yet to be explored. Just thinking of how many great friends I have made from different parts of the world, in this small town called Yarmouth, makes me wonder how many possible friends are out there.
Like I've said a million times, my year has been very close to perfect. There have been irrelevant few downs, compared to the many ups. My host family has taken me into their home and made me a part of the family. The school has offered a great social study environment and all the courses I needed to complete the year. I have had a blast with all the international students and I know for sure that lots of them will remain my best friends. I have also got to bond with a bunch of amazing Canadians. Especially over rugby, a sport we are all passionate about. The Nova Scotia International Student Program has been excellent arranging fun activities, giving guidance and information and being there when needed. My family and friends have continuously messaged me, sent me packages, read my blog, and given me all the love and support they could possibly send over the Atlantic ocean. If I were to personally thank every single one of you, the speech would go on for days. I would like to thank everyone for making my experience the best it could be. I am indescribably grateful and appreciate you all. Although my life as an exchange student in Canada will soon be over; This is not the end, this is just the beginning. We are young teenagers holding the world in our hands. Prom was just as amazing as expected. It was a warm and sunny day. I was happy with my hair, make up, nails, dress and shoes (painfull, but bearable). My host family took pictures and offered rides. I was surrounded by a great group of friends. And last but not least, I couldn't have asked for a better date :) Most pictures are taken by Michael and friends. Prom is a huge deal in North-America (probably bigger in US than in Canada). People have been talking about and planning prom since they started in high school. I had a pretty tight schedule, but everything ran smoothly.
10:00 - Worked out 12:00 - Hair appointment (50 CAD) Flowers had to be picked up (Matias took care of this, 45 CAD) 15:30 - Frost park (pictures) Eat (We went to Rudders to eat, but Yara and I had to leave due to bad planning) 19:00 - Grad march (The graduates walk with their dates in the church. The boy gives the girl a rose. I walked this with my Dutch best friend Yara. We were the only girl couple). Michael picked Matias, Yara and me up at the church. We stopped at Superstore to buy some food. After Jordan, Celine's date, took her, Matias, Yara and me out to the lighthouse. 21:00 - Prom (Dance at a hotel downtown, 25 CAD for one ticket) 23:30 - Prom party This was definitely one of the best days of my exchange in Canada, and will be one of my fondest memories. I would like to thank my mom (had to send the dress from Norway), my date, my host family, friends and hairdresser for turning my dream prom into reality. I hope everyone else had a great prom experience as well! After living with my host family for 9 months I've learned the importance of acceptance, adaptability, communitcation, honesty, respect and trust. These are key factors that help establishing a good relation between the international students and the host family (and people in general, I believe). During the exchange, most students and families run into some "issues". Regardless of the "conflicts" being major or minor, these are situations where the skills listed in the first paragraph play a big role. I have been extremely lucky with my host family. We have had a great year, with no big scenes. Yes, there will be times where you don't fully agree, feel uncomfortable and think "it would be better back home". There will also be different habits, "rules" and point of views you will learn to accept, adapt to and respect. The beauty of this is that your family will do the same in return.
Keep in mind that most host families want what's best for both sides. Their intentions are usually to protect themselves and you. To me communication is the alpha and omega (very important). If something is not clear, ask. Be honest and open. Talk with your host family. Inform them about your concerns. By letting them in you earn their trust, and they get the chance to earn yours. Whenever I've been unsure about anything I've talked with both my host parents and the same way around. They have listened, explained, been willing to discuss and showed understanding. I think this is one of the main reasons why my year has been so successful. I hope future exchange students will experience this type of relationship with their host families as well. It makes the challenges decrease and the sense of comfort and safety increase. I cannot talk for everyone, because I'm just one in a million. Neither do I have the right answers. Every scenario have different outcomes. Life is unpredicatable. However, it's a good attitude to start your year abroad with. The summer has finally arrived Yarmouth. Today has been one of the hottest and most relaxing days I've had in a long time. It felt amazing to just plug my ears with music and lie in a chair for five hours. Lazy day. It must have been over 20 celsius, even the wind felt warm.
Sum up of the weekend: Friday: The Y, supper at Marco's grill and pasta house and Tim Hortons. Saturday: All-Star rugby practice in Shelburne, The Y, sleepover and the beach. Sunday: Tanning, laundry and familiy supper. Håper alt står bra til i Norge! Kommer hjem om nøyaktig 4 uker. Time is running out. I appologize for few and short blog posts, but I only have one month left in Canada. To summarize this week in single words; friends, rugby, fishing, running, food, school, work and prom prep. As much as I would like to share all my thoughts and reflections in detail and skype with friends and family in Norway, I need to be "selfish" and live every moment of this very last month to the fullest. It's impossible to have one foot in each country. However, I promise I will make it up to you as soon as i get back home.
We won it all! I have no words. Yesterday must have been one of the best days during my exchange. You have no idea how great it felt to hold the trophy. I played as a stand-off (scrum-halfs best friend) on Yarmouth A. We won 46-0 over Barrington (which means that we scored around 8 tries). Regardless of our loss (B) to Shelburne (last years winners), Yarmouth Vikings became the champions of this years league. (I did not take all of these pictures) The final games were 2 x 10 minutes, instead of 2 x 7.
The boys played phenomenal as usual. I'm so proud of everyone. Rugby is one of the greatest descisions I have taken. I have got to know a bunch of great, dedicated, fun and loving people and learned a new sport. I could not have been any happier with my coaches, teammates and the season in general. I don't think it's possible to end the season in a better way. By the way, I made it to the all-star game (Yes, I was just as shocked as you). It's a game where the best players in Nova Scotia play against each other. The strongest players from Barrington, Yarmouth and Shelburne are being put together as one team to represent the Tri County Region. The all-star game is June 7. In other words, I guess the season isn't over yet after all. This week has been great so far. The three first photos are taken by Jeanne. On Monday I ate lunch at Jungle Jim's as one of Celine's other birthday surprises (beloved and lucky girl). I had the day off because of Victoria Day. After I hung out with the boys at Max's house. He is a good friend from Shanghai. I finally got an authentic Chinese friend, haha. Upcoming events: Rugby final and gathering on Saturday. Two weeks to prom. I got my ticket today (25 CAD). Prom is a huge deal in North-America. I don't know if the fact that my Canadian friend Janell wrote me a list of all the things I have to do before prom day and an overview of the program makes me calm or stressed. However, it will be a fun, memorable and busy day. Tomorrow I'm going to one of my coop-placements, the hairdresser, practice and the last school dance of this semester. It's a grafitti dance where you can bring a white t-shirt and get people to sign it. Fun, run, fun fun :) To my grandparents (mommo,besse, faffa og gretemor): Hittil har jeg hatt en veldig fin uke. På mandag møtte jeg noen venner på Jungle Jim's for å overraske Celine med en bursdags-lunsj. Senere ble jeg med guttene til Max, en venn fra Shanghai. Har endelig fått en autentisk kinesisk venn, haha. De spilte Fifa (fotballvideospill) mens jeg så på. På tirsdag var rugbytrening avlyst på grunn av regn, derfor tok jeg turen til treningssenteret. Deretter spiste Matias, Raymond og jeg pizza på Jake's. Før vi tuslet hvert til vårt spilte guttene en runde sjakk på Sip Café.
Planer framover: I morgen skal jeg klippe meg, på utplassering, på rugbytrening og årets siste skoledans. På lørdag skal jeg spille rugby finale. Det blir veldig spennende. Jeg tror vi har en god sjanse til å vinne. Ellers begynner ballet å nærme seg. Fordi det er en veldig stor greie her i Amerika så er det mye å ordne i forkant av ballet. Jeg må blant annet legge opp kjolen, ordne blomst og teste diverse frisyrer. Ut i fra det jeg har hørt av de canadiske jentene så blir det en veldig hektisk dag, men med mye moro. Gleder meg. Jeg var forresten på forsiden av den lokale avisa i forbindelse med hjemmekampen forrige lørdag. Håper alt står bra til i Norge.
As much as I want to be home, I try not to think too much about my departure. I'm the type of girl that doesn't cry when appropriate or expected. I just awkwardly stand there with a stone face while everyone else are bawling their eyes out (Okay, I might have exaggerated a little bit. I offer free comforting hugs). Don't ask why. It's not like I'm not sad. The tears just won't appear, and it usually makes me feel like the worst person ever. However, at the moment I'm stuck in an emotional roller coaster. I am happy, free, confused, frustrated, sad and blissful at the same time; most of all content and grateful. An important note to all present and future exchange students, people in general (my favorite commentary): Enjoy every single moment of the time left in your host countries! I will.
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THEA JORDAN (18)
I'm an adventurous and positive girl from Tønsberg, Norway. Last fall (2013) I decided to fly out of my comfort zone to live 10 months in Nova Scotia, Canada. With this blog I want to keep my family and friends posted on my everyday life in Yarmouth, Canada. I also hope this can be an inspiration and guidance for future exchange students.
Med denne bloggen ønsker jeg først og fremst og holde familie og nære oppdaterte på livet i Yarmouth, Canada, samtidig som jeg håper at dette kan være en inspirasjon og hjelp til andre som også har lekt med tanken på ett år i utlandet. Archive
July 2014
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